Founded in 2011, Haystack collaborated with MIT’s Center for Bits and Atoms to establish a cutting-edge digital fabrication and technology studio on campus, referred to as the Fab Lab. Since its establishment, the lab has become an integral part of the School’s overall mission to think more broadly about the field of craft and expanded into developing new innovative and community programs. In 2016, the Haystack Fab Lab was recognized with the Distinguished Educators Award from the James Renwick Alliance, the first ever given to a program for pioneering contributions to craft education.

During the Summer Workshops, the Fab Lab integrates with specific workshops where faculty have chosen to include digital fabrication in their workshop curriculum. The Fab Lab is available to participants in workshops that explicitly integrate the lab into their instructional plans, and does not operate as an open-access makerspace. This ensures that the Fab Lab’s tools are used intentionally, aligning with each workshop’s goals for focused and meaningful engagement.

In winter, the Fab Lab serves as a vital resource for community-based education, outreach, and digital fabrication training. The Community Artist and Maker Program Series (CAMPS) offers dynamic programming including community-based education and collaboration in crafts and making. We have also been building capacity to expand our work within the local school system on Deer Isle and around the broader Blue Hill Peninsula, by integrating digital technology and design proficiency into area classrooms.

For additional information about the Haystack Fab Lab, including machine specifications and capabilities, please contact fablab@haystack-mtn.org.

3D PRINTERS

4 - Prusa i3 MK3S
2 - Prusa Mini
Flashforge Dreamer Dual Extruder
Sindoh 3D Wox Filament Printer
Formlabs Form 2 SLA/Resin

CNC MILLS

Shopbot PRS Alpha | 4’ x 8’
Shopbot Desktop | 18” x 24”
Bantam Precision PCB Mill | 6” x 4”
Shaper Origin Handheld CNC Router

DIGITAL EMBROIDERY

Brother SE 1800

DIGITAL MEDIA

HP DesignJet 111 Large Format | 24”
Epson ET-2550 | Inkjet
Canon TR8620 | Inkjet

ELECTRONICS

Electronics Bench with Soldering Equipment,
Oscilloscope, Power Supply, and a Full
Range of Components

LASER CUTTERS

Universal VLS 6.75 60-Watt | 32” x 18”
Universal VLS 3.50 50-Watt | 24” x 12”
Epilog Legend 24TT 35 Watt | 24” x 12”

VINYL CUTTERS

Roland GX-24 | 24”
4 - Silhouette Portrait | 12”
Heat Press

PLASMA CUTTER

Forest Scientific MakerFab | 4’ x 4’

DESIGN SUITE

5 - iMac Workstations

Adobe Creative Suite 
Fusion 360
Inkscape 
Rhino

COVID-19 PPE Project

In response to the growing impact of the pandemic and shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) for essential workers, Haystack’s Fab Lab helped produce and deliver supplies to our community.

In late March 2020, Haystack made the difficult decision to suspend all of our programming for the entirety of the season. Soon after this decision was made, the Haystack Fab Lab switched gears to producing PPE in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Staff in the Haystack Fab Lab produced medical face shields and surgical mask strap “ear savers” for community organizations. We prioritized efforts for Hancock County and the surrounding area in Maine.

Learn more about the COVID-19 PPE Project

FAB LAB RESIDENTS

In each workshop session, two Fab Lab Residents–selected for their expertise in craft and digital fabrication–undertake research and experimental projects aimed at advancing the field of craft through innovative techniques and materials. Residents engage with the broader Haystack community through open studio events, demonstrations, and collaborations with faculty and students.

FAB LAB INTERNSHIPS

The Fab Lab Internship continues the commitment to youth development offering local students hands-on experience with digital fabrication, while also emphasizing soft skills like communication and teamwork. Under the guidance of our Fab Lab team, interns engage in meaningful projects and help bridge the gap between traditional craft and emerging technologies.

HAYSTACK LABS

In 2021, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts partnered with the MIT Center for Bits and Atoms to launch an innovative research program, Haystack Labs. This initiative is designed to foster synergy among artists, designers, material scientists, machine builders, and coders. Year after year, the program's reach has extended, drawing an increasingly varied community from both craft and digital fabrication spheres.

HAYSTACK COMMUNITY LABS

The Haystack Community Labs offer diverse programs and workshops that extend beyond digital design to embrace traditional craft techniques. These activities emphasize skill development, knowledge exchange, and innovation–fostering inspiration within the local community and nurturing future makers, artists, and designers.

CREATIVE MAKERS COLLABORATIVE

Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Pioneer Prize, and Project Launch are partnering to develop and implement a new after-school program for Blue Hill Peninsula and Deer Isle high school students. This program will expose students to a range of exciting areas of technology through hands-on experience with support and mentorship.

PIONEER PRIZE

A community competition encourages local high school students to develop and innovate STEAM projects. Community members have established the Pioneer Prize to motivate and celebrate the remarkable capacity of our young people to forge new pathways of economic opportunity. The prize gives away $5,000 in cash prizes each year to three students.